The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has officially appointed Bilaal Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the monarch’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The position became vacant following the death of the former Chief Imam, Mashood Ajokidero III, who passed away in early 2023.
Confirming the appointment, Oba Owoade said the selection process was thorough and guided by fairness and Islamic principles.
“Having passed through the screening test, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have been selected by me as the new Chief Imam of Oyo,” the monarch declared.
He added that the occasion held deep religious and cultural significance, emphasizing that leadership in Islam must always be guided by humility and justice.
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“The moment is not only significant for our people, but also sacred in the eyes of Allah, for leadership in Islam is a truth that demands humility, sincerity and justice,” he said.
The newly appointed Chief Imam, born on April 15, 1965, hails from Imam Ogunbado Compound, Akeugberu, in Oyo West Local Government Area. He is the son of Shaykh Bilaal Ogunbado and holds a Law degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.